Review: Reloop Terminal Mix 4

It’s been a long time coming, but Serato controllerists may finally have a suitable answer to NI’s Kontrol S4. The Reloop Terminal Mix 4 all-in-one 4-deck controller complements Serato digital DJs quite well, incorporating important turntablist features. Traktor-using fans of this well-built controller can also rejoice in a couple of Traktor Pro mappings for either 4-deck or 2-deck/2 sampler use. Let’s see how it stands up to a little comparative testing.

The Bad: No professional software included; only 2-deck Serato DJ Intro and 4-deck Virtual DJ 7 LE. Some features are in limbo awaiting software updates. Only one aux input.

The Bottom Line: The Terminal Mix 4 has everything it takes to become the go-to all-in-one 4-deck controller for Serato… except Serato. Until all the features are baked in and Reloop adds support for Serato Itch, the TM4 will have to settle for being a hell of a contender. It has the hardware quality, audio quality, and features to rank it among the top 4-deck controllers out there.

Build Quality and Design

While no NS7 in size, the Terminal Mix 4 is still a bit of a beast. It’s about the same surface area of the Kontrol S4, yet almost 3 pounds heavier. For that extra weight, however, you get the confidence of a really solidly built product. The chassis is mostly metal. There’s a plastic casing around the sides, but then also an aluminum faceplate on top. To a one, all of the extensive controls on the TM4 feel and perform at the highest standard. The jog wheels, faders, push-button rotaries, knobs, and rubber and plastic buttons all reek of top-shelf quality and are a pleasure to use.

Altogether there are 111 MIDI controls. Have a look at how the control sections break down before we get into the nitty gritty.

Controller Performance

The chunky knobs of the TM4 feel great. They have a nice grip, and the center detents are sticky, but not too sticky. If there’s any complaint, it would be that in order to pack so many high-quality controls on the surface, the knobs are packed pretty tightly together.

The crossfader, pitch faders, and channel volume faders thankfully all have their own feel to them. Made for expressiveness, the loose crossfader feels more like a pro DJ mixer crossfader, rather than the very controllery crossfaders you often see. The 60mm channel faders were the tightest of the faders, made for smooth volume transitions. However, the four channel faders weren’t exactly uniform in their resistance. Each of the 14-bit 100mm pitch faders (the TM4 supports ranges of ±6 to ±100%) felt a little looser than the channel faders — just enough to enter in tiny increments. Their precise response also felt pleasant across the various pitch ranges.

Among non-motorized controller jog wheels, the TM4’s wheel rank very high. To go along with their comfortable flat design, the generously-sized platters have a very responsive touch sensitivity and a remarkably playable action. Their vinyl-like surface grip is also a welcome inclusion. In the end, they’re still just controller jog wheels, but they are made for people who will actually play them.

The rubberized transport buttons are a treat to use, and I wish there could have been more of these brought to the front for cue points, loops, and samples. However, admittedly, that would compromise the more scratch-centric design of the TM4. The plastic buttons in the Hot Cue/Sampler sections feel durable and have a reliable response and action for you to play them as fast as you like. The operative word though is “play,” and buttons of this sort aren’t as playable.

Software: You Expect Us To Spin With This?

I happen to agree with the hype that Reloop makes over this being the first 4-deck controller made specifically for Serato. I’m a big fan of tight hardware/software integration, as we saw with the Kontrol S4 and S2. Even better on those NI controllers was that they actually included the software they were designed to control.

Unfortunately, Terminal Mix 4 only includes Serato DJ Intro and Virtual DJ 7 LE (Reloop Edition). The former is a 2-deck version of Serato that strips a lot of features, although it does still include effects and sampling. The TM4’s FX sections are functional in Serato DJ Intro for turning on/off the 3 effects per deck, selecting their amounts with the knobs, and using the Beats rotary for choosing the time signature for effects syncing.

Serato Intro is included with the TM4 - only two decks!

However, Loop, Hot Cue and Sampler sections of the TM4 are only partially functional in Serato DJ Intro. Reloop’s site mentions that certain performance features in the sampling, looping, and hot cue sections, as well as other feature like intelligent EQ kill, will be available with future software updates or with the “Pro” software. The current feature sets per-software are listed below:

Serato Intro supports:

2-Decks with tight Jog Wheel Scratch performance

Loop Control

4x Hot Cue (Deck)

4x Sampler (Global)

3 FX Slots (Deck)

Dedicated Filter per Deck

Virtual DJ 7 LE supports

4-Decks

Loop Control incl. Move

8x Hot Cue (Deck)

8x Sampler (Global)

3 FX Slots (Deck)

Dedicated Filter per Deck

Traktor Pro Support:

4-Decks

Full Loop Control

8x Hot Cue (Deck)

4x Sample / Remix Deck Support (Deck)

Full FX Slot Control

Loop Recording

Unique Performance MODE in Slice Layer: Beatmash & Instant-FX Control

Dedicated Filter per Deck

We can only reason that once Reloop and Serato get full compatibility worked out, that the TM4 will at least be certified for Itch, which has 4-deck capability. Otherwise, the $600 TM4 is an excellent 4-deck controller with no native 4-deck software integration other than Virtual DJ.

The Reloop Edition of Virtual DJ 7 LE that comes included actually does a pretty good job of utilizing the full controller layout of the TM4. Virtual DJ has come along over the years, and performs pretty well in terms of handling keylock over drastic pitch ranges, track syncing, looping, cue points, and effect quality. However some areas of the software aren’t as well integrated with the TM4, particularly with track browsing. Besides that, it’s just not a widely adopted program and not the thing that will attract DJs to the TM4.

Virtual DJ 4 LE: Reloop Edition is included with the TM4

Oddly enough, until the TM4 includes compatibility with a 4-deck Serato version (hopefully both Itch and Scratch Live), the best software to use with it right now may be Traktor, due to…

Traktor Pro Mappings

If you’ve ever used hardware made for specific software, like the Akai APC controllers or Kontrol S4/S2, then you’re bound to be disappointed with using mappings such as the Terminal Mix 4’s Traktor Pro mappings.

It’s not that the mappings aren’t decent. So far there are two available — one for 2 decks/2 sample decks and one for 4 decks. But due to the inherent limitations of MIDI mappings and probably some development in progress, the Terminal Mix 4 just won’t be the same beast with Traktor that it could be in Serato without tighter integration.

For example, the Traktor MIDI mappings don’t take advantage of some of the TM4’s best features that were built with turntablist Serato users in mind, such as Crossfader deck assignment switches and the jog wheels. Track navigation in Traktor also doesn’t work as fully as in Serato. On the flipside, the TM4 Traktor mappings will let you work the effects decks, cue points, loops, and samples, but not with the same degree of control and integration as an S4 or S2.

Right now, Traktor is functional on the TM4, but I cannot recommend the TM4 for DJs who exclusively use Traktor. However, if you mainly use Serato and jump over to Traktor occasionally, the mappings will be a blessing, and a possible starting point for your own variations.

Audio Quality

We’ll use the NI Kontrol S4 and S2 as basis of comparison of the audio quality on the Terminal Mix 4. We’ve always praised the S4/S2 sound given that their components come from NI’s excellent stand-alone interfaces and they have admirable audio quality to go along with high output levels.

The Kontrol S4 (top) resting on top of the Terminal Mix 4 (bottom)

After side-by-side comparisons of the S4 and Terminal MIx 4 (conducted at the sample rate of 48kHz), I have to say that I was very impressed with how well the TM4’s audio interface held up. If anything the TM4 had a more detailed sound than the S4. The Terminal Mix pumped out chunkier bass, dirtier distortion, crisper high-end, and more nuanced vocals. I’d give the S4 points for better warmth. But the TM4 also put out higher audio levels, both on AC power and USB bus power. DJs needn’t to worry about low levels with the TM4.

USB Bus Power vs. Power Adapter

Like the Kontrol S4 and S2, the Terminal Mix 4 comes with an AC adapter but can also be run off of a fully powered USB 2.0 port. If the AC plug gets pulled while in use, the audio cuts off while the TM4 adjusts itself, and then the audio comes back on after about 8 seconds. If you put the AC plug back in while it’s operating on USB power, the audio again cuts off, but not for as long. It fades back in over 5 seconds.

On the plus side, the TM4’s LEDs did not appear any dimmer when on USB power, unlike the S4/S2, whose lights dim significantly on USB power. The S4 and S2 also reduce the headphone output on USB power, but the TM4 loses no output level on USB bus power. Both the main outs and each of the headphone outs stayed just as loud on bus power. It’s really quite remarkable what this unit can do on just USB power.

How It All Ties Together

Because it’s a high-quality unit with a solid build, excellent sound, and a ton of great features, at $600, you could make the argument that paying a little more for the high-end software is reasonable. (And you could argue it the other way as well.)

As it stands right now, where the TM4 does not come with a version of the 4-deck Serato Itch, it’s hard to justify purchasing it. I have the strong suspicion that it will become an Itch-certified controller shortly after its release in May. After that, upgrading to Scratch Live will probably cost you a few shekels. It’s impossible to say right now, however, so we’ll just have to keep you updated.

Assuming that the TM4 does become Itch certified, I’d happily recommend it to Serato DJs looking for an all-in-one solution to use either as a main rig or as a secondary, practice, small-gig setup. Its combination of rock-solid construction, tight Serato integration, and price make it compelling. It is a worthy take on the Kontrol S4 concept for Serato users. With arguably superior sound, nicer jog wheels, and a price of $300 less, the Terminal Mix 4 might be an even better buy than the S4… once the software support catches up.

I bought the TM4 about 6 months ago and I have had no performance issues. I use VDJ and wanted to run the AUX through the software. I contacted Reloop and it was quite difficult getting across to them what I wanted to do. I contacted VDJ and they were very helpful and guided me through it. Other than that, the unit has been flawless! Maybe you guys did get your units from a bad batch but in my opinion it’s a very good controller for the price.

RodrigoMorales

I buy a terminal mix 4 and Im very regret.
I test two devices and both fail in the same jogwheel.
the left jogwheel sunddenly change his weithg and became very heavy and tight, while the left jog stay light and loose.
the firts unit fail in one week. I send the unit back to the dealer who change the device for a new one.
the second fail in two days for the same reason.
I write a post in the official support forum of reloop, and nobody say nothing about it.

RichieTee

Well after a lot of research I actually went for the TM4. Being a Scratch Live user, I wanted something that had big jog wheels, the ability to input other decks and with decent sampling and fx features. I also wanted to be able to use my SL database with the controller so using Serato DJ Intro was the natural step for me (with a view to upgrade to Serato DJ).

However, I soon realised after purchase that the TM4 is very flakey. It’s been reported by many since August 2012 that clicking, crackling, slowdown, crashes happen in either Serato or VDJ with the TM4 and I too had this issue. Being a computer tech and Windows expert, I tried in vain to work out what the issue was. However after installing the software on various different computers, even on clean installs of W7 32bit and 64bit on decent hardware, I had these issues. It’s most likely a hardware issue, a firmware issue or a USB driver issue. But either way, Reloop have not taken it seriously despite numerous posts on their forum about the issue. Could be a faulty batch of hardware?

Anyway, it simply wasn’t good enough that they didn’t take it seriously so it went back to the vendor and I got an Pioneer Ergo V instead (a long way from my preferred choice but you can rely on Pioneer hardware and support).

So my advice, don’t buy a Reloop product. It might work fine for you and be a great controller. But if it doesn’t, they won’t help you and you may just end up with an unreliable, heavy piece of kit which you can’t take anywhere or make a mix on because it simply doesn’t work in any of the supplied software!

I’ve been DJ’ing for 19 years now and have always been against technology in DJ’ing. However, I see how it can be of benefit so decided a controller would be good to mess around with, make mixes on and broadcast with as well as creating space by allowing me to get rid of my 1210s and vinyl. Whilst controllers are decent for parties etc or bars where there are no equipment, in my opinion, DJ’s who play clubs should just use the CDJs supplied. There is no need for a controller in a club DJ booth, ever, no matter who you are.

That’s very bold of you to state it that way RichieTee. I am a proud owner of the Terminal Mix 4 and haven’t had any issues. Their support might not be what you expect, but then again, you get what you pay for. I personally think that the TM2 and TM4 are well built controllers at a price that other big brands wouldn’t sell it for.

You mention going for the Pioneer Ergo which, as you will agree, does not have the options that the TM4 has.You don’t get full software with the Ergo either, so you will also need to buy an upgrade. So you get less for the same price. And why? Because it has ‘Pioneer’ on it. To me it is similar to the Reloop Mixage or a Denon MC-2000, whatever. And these products are aroun half the price of the similar Pioneer gear.

I’d rather pay less and expect a little less support, because after all, there’s a bigger chance you will not have any issues than having some issues. And in that last case, as long as it’s solved, it’s worth the big price difference.

Whether or not you think there is need for a controller in a club DJ booth or not is another discussion.

RichieTee

I appreciate that you are a happy TM user and there are plenty out there. I hoped to be one of them. But take a look at their forums. Numerous reports of the same issue and only now have they started to take notice. The first one I can see was logged back in August 2012. 5 months ago for them to actually believe the customer. Several units have been back to different resellers who have also seen the fault but been unable to fix. How difficult would it have been for Reloop to send a user a replacement unit in exchange for the faulty one to try and determine the problem?

Yes with support I appreciate you get what you pay for but when you buy a product and it doesn’t work, it’s not reasonable for you to have to wait 5 months for a resolution. Particularly if you are a DJ, it could cost you work if you use it out. The Sale Of Goods Act 1976 states that if goods are not fit for purpose and if a supplier cannot come up with a resolution in a reasonable time, then further action could be taken against them. If the Reloop doesn’t work for you and you have met all of their system requirements, then it is not fit for purpose. You have a right to reject it. Which is what I did. For some users, it worked but then started to not work so rejection was something not an option for them although you could argue the product didn’t have a reasonable life span.

Reloop now seem to think it’s power related. They have released a new firmware and also advised users to use it with a power supply if they have the issue. Not sure if this has resolved the issue as mine went back and I was refunded. But is it really acceptable for a working DJ to have to carry a power supply around, struggle to find yet another plug socket in a booth in addition to their laptop and have another point of failure?

I have the buget for buying this or the traktor s4(secondhand) what do you think wich of the two are better. Are they comparable?

Skollx

My only major concerns with this controller are the single aux output and the incredibly poor mapping with serato…. which are very important.

I want to go out and buy one but these points are holding me back. Also, how hard would it have been to include an XLR output?

Anyone know how well the traktor mapping works / how it sounds?

Dj Xtasii

what are the technical implications of having only 1 aux input?

John

I have tested this controller at the NAMM show and must say I was totally impressed – the build quality, feel and touch was amazing and the jogs are the bomb. Especially the Jog integration with Serato is very tight and responsive.
About Disqus

synthet1c

your thinking of behringer champ, they are the ones who ripped off other vendors products… Reloop have always designed their own gear and have great quality control, however the choice to include the push to kill eq’s and hard pastic buttons was a poor one, as they make the unit feel cheap, but they are good qualiy components in there..

The Jockey 3 and Contour don’t share any of the same issues though, they are fantastic quality and imo the best controllers before the VCI-400 came along…

way to dismiss the VDJ that it comes with. dont know where you have been looking but VDJ is a fairly widely adopted software and aisde from the browsing issue i didnt see you make a single relvant point as to why it is not a good fit and why it wouldnt be a good fit for the Pro version.

Other than that its a good review. Thanks.

JV

I have high hopes for VDJ8 actually… But up to this point, I feel that VDJ7 lacks the polish that Serato and Traktor have. I understand that they’ve been supporting video, effects, and samples for quite some time, but the interface and performance seem to be slightly below the quality expected by professional DJs IMO. They have good marketing but now they gotta execute on VDJ8 to be considered in the same ranks as Serato and Traktor.

John

I agree. Even Serato Intro which is still limited in advanced features – but the mixing perormance is great and already now a PRO level software.

Reloop is German and they always made high quality stuff for cheap prices. It’s Pioneer in Behringer market if that makes any sense. Always respected their equipment. They are big in Europe.

Chopper

Simply not true. Reloop is best known for cheap rip-offs of other manufacturer’s succesful products. They often lack in build quality and durability. I used their products when I started DJing. I would never do that again.

John

Hey Chopper, have you ever tested their new equipment? Saying when you started DJing their equipment was not as good is a weak statement. I own a Jockey 3 is the built quality and durability is great – even better than a S4 which I also had – but sold it as it had many major hardware problems…so you better test and then state.

Chopper

John, please read Michal’s post and my reply again. He was saying that Reloop ALWAYS made high quality stuff. This is NOT TRUE. I don’t know about their new controllers but I have used a lot of their stuff (my own & from friends) so I know about their “quality”. What other equipment from Reloop did you ever try except your controller?

John

As with every brand – you always have budget equipment which is perfectly fine for the price and higher quality equipment at a reasonable price. I guess you only know their budget / starter equipment from you friends or starting DJ carreer. You need to check out stuff as RHP-20, IQ2 MIDI, RP-6000, Contour or Jockey 3 & Terminal Mix – all solid stuff which I either have or have played with. The Jockey 3 is my personal favorite so far!

Well. As Always I meant their flagship decks. Obviously if you bought their cheap deck or mixer they were like Behringer. But their hi-end products were good and compared to Pioneer or Stanton still much cheaper. New equipment is just better. Even Behringer started to make better stuff.

Tgunn897

Will this definitely 100 percent be an itch controller in the future?

DJ Freez’

I would not dare to say it will be ITCH, but it is quite clear that Serato has to come up with something, as they have already supplied Serato DJ Intro for at least 4 4-channel controllers (Numark N4, Vestax VCI-400, Numark Mixdeck Quad -I think?- and Reloop Terminal Mix 4). That should say something, right?

Full size pitch faders? Thank you Terminal Mix 4! Now if i actually want to beat match and mix manually I can. Instead of having to use the wannabe pitch faders that are located on 99% of all midi controllers. I think I actually just might set aside the 100….maybe. Or i can wait a week for the next big thing to come out LOL

Tomgerry

Aesthetics look like a cross between a numark mixtrack and a ns6…not nice to look at

phatbob

“I have the strong suspicion that it will become an Itch-certified
controller shortly after its release in May. After that, upgrading to
Scratch Live will probably cost you a few shekels. It’s impossible to
say right now, however, so we’ll just have to keep you updated.”

That’s a ridiculous amount of complete speculation right there.

On what planet does one ‘upgrade to Scratch Live’ with a controller?

Tomgerry

No kidding right, who is writing these speculations and passing it off as an ‘article’?

JV

Oh man… Here we go again… I’d have to say yes, it is speculation… But it’s an educated speculation, and it’s looking like it would be a smart move for Serato to do so…

On what planet does one ‘upgrade to Scratch Live’ with a controller? Well, for a very brief window, users of the last release of Itch were prompted to upgrade to Scratch Live… Serato quickly fixed their “error”… it may have been a fluke, or it could be yet another sign of things to come…

Serato has taken the stance that MIDI mapping jog wheels in SSL is not possible and yet we all know that the code is already implemented by the mapping of the S4 and the Denon MC6000 to SSL.

Itch is slated to have the additional slicer feature similar to Twich when the VCI-380 is to be released… Is the VCI-380 the only controller to support this feature? Further splintering ITCH and its compatible controllers? It’s possible, but the smarter stance, (and the demand of the market) shows that Itch will probably open itself up to third party MIDI controllers… Apparently SSL already allows this thru MIDI learn… One of the most attractive things about Traktor is that it is completely MIDI mappable… And I think many users agree that if Serato opened itself up to accomodate all MIDI devices, many would jump ship from Traktor to Serato… I believe the Serato interface is cleaner and file management is easier. Plus Itch has the movable beat grids… etc etc etc… In addition to that, does Serato really think that it can hold off all the competition by limiting its footprint in the controller market?

The TM4 is yet another piece of kit branded with the Serato name, but no specific software title… All the latest hardware that has come out for Serato does not have specific application branding which leads many of us to believe that Serato has something up their sleeve… Serato itself has been vague about providing details for the future of these 4 channel controllers including the VCI-400… Because everyone knows that the packaged Serato Intro is a joke…

…Intro is a joke IF there is no upgrade path to something better… Like Itch, or SSL… Or something rebranded to incorporate both…

Is it that ridiculous? Maybe… If Traktor wasn’t doing the same thing… Restructuring and repricing to make way for it’s remix…

A lot of Serato forum members have said this is never gonna happen, isn’t that speculation as well? How many of us saw the VCI-380 coming? My point is, no one really knows, but it’s probably foolish of us at this point in the game to say that certain things are never gonna happen…

phatbob

What you say is all very feasible, but still speculation.

If someone drops the cash on this controller and none of that EVER happens, then they are stuck with an expensive controller with beginner software.

And that will be the fault of DJTechTools.

It’s just irresponsible. A review should be based on what a product does when you buy it, not what it might ‘hopefully’ do somewhere down the line.

The Beat Worx

How does this compare to the VCI-400? It seems like a better comparison to make since they both seem to be on the road to be Itch/SSL Controllers…

the vci 400 ege is a beast compared to this joke… this looks like every other controller out there. great starter, if you like serato, i guess.

John

I don’t agree, the VCI-400 also comes with Serato Intro and VDJ!?
So same scope but being nearly half the price…

DJ Freez’

I have been able to test both the VCI-400 and the Terminal Mix 4, and must say it’s a close tie. The VCI-400 feels really solid with the full metal jacket and is a bit smaller in size, so it’s more portable. I also like the pads on the VCI-400, but I guess the smaller buttons for hot cues and samples will just take some getting used to it. The Terminal Mix 4 feels amazingly better than it looks IMO. I particularly love the jog wheels on the TM4. If you want inputs, you’d have to go for the VCI-400, if you want a great controller for a great price, go for the Reloop.

Guided

i dont normally comment, but a controller being serato scratch-certified will never happen, this will stay an itch controller, if anything. Scratch live is based only on rane hardware for the time being. Really uninformed review.

If these transport buttons are anything like the previous ones they used on their units (and it does look like it) don’t buy it. They started wearing out after about a year on my DJ2, and a short while after that not responding at all…..

Anonymous

(delete)

Anonymous

same here

geo

How can you tell from a picture what microswitches are used? The jockey 3 and this controller shouldn’t have this problem anymore. This coming from a rdj1 and 2 owner…

John

Have you read the review?
“The rubberized transport buttons are a treat to use” – they are not the same buttons used on DJ1 or 2.

can’t speak for serato, but vdj works just fine and can be used with any controller that supports midi. the scripting language is obtuse, but produces some amazing and complex results.

synthet1c

on the contrary…

Trakor’s controller support it terrible on any midi controllers jogwheels… VDJ has full midi and HID support that can allow full resolution, and the infamous NHL has just been unlocked by a VDJ user “Technz” for the kontrol S2, and Im sure the S4 isn’t far off as he has already made a midi map for it that just needs to be converted to HID…

Also VDJ’s mapping is capable of replicating any of the djtt mappings without a need for firmware updates to send multiple midi messages on a single control… to sum it up the things that take workarounds to do in traktor can be done in VDJ natively with a little scripting.

I will upload a controllerist mapping using technz’s definition for the
S2 to the vdj forum probably by the end of the week once it’s tested.

I couldn’t agree more
Also VDJ let’s you use a variety of sound cards all at once which has saved my ass more than once
If you’re only a club DJ this isn’t relevant to you
But when you do clubs, then random parties, or even pool parties in which you have to hook up a bunch of random speakers together this can be a life saver

Owen

You missed the point of that Brostep/noise shit song cartoon. It is about shit laptop DJ’s that give us a bad name. He isn’t having a go at virtual DJ. He is having a go at the arseholes that think just because they bought a laptop and downloaded VDJ and ripped tracks off youtube they are a DJ. This site has been over this issue before many times. From sourcing good quality mp3’s legally to correct etiquette for setting up and taking your gear down in a busy club. The lesson really is if you are playing a slot before someone you should probably be playing on whatever the main event is probably playing on and that is usually CD’s. If you cant adapt to different situations than you should still be practicing at home.

I use traktor, VDJ and Serato have their strong and weak points. If you are a good DJ you should be able to rock a party with whatever God has given you. Just using traktor wont make you a good DJ.

jprime

I can see the value and benefit of each piece of software – sorry you bring the fanboy mentality to the table.